Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Can you RV with dogs? Not without installing these 3 safety essentials first

Traveling with your dog can be an adventure unlike any other, no matter the destination. For pups who enjoy being on the road — and who don’t suffer from motion sickness — spending some time traveling in an RV can be especially fun. The wind in their fur and all their favorite folks with them. Can it get any better?

Actually, it can. There are a few small yet life-changing RV accessories that can turn a regular old RV into the safest relaxation space for your four-legged friend. From a few obvious additions to some more unique accessories, we’ve considered them all to bring you the most important, most effective safety tools for dogs.

Related Videos

For RVs with dogs, consider these pet care travel essentials:

Temperature-control essentials

Even the most modern RVs with top-notch air conditioning systems can have a hard time keeping up on the hottest days. Especially if you’re traveling somewhere like the American Southwest, you’ll want to have multiple backup plans in case your dog overheats.

Temperature alert systems

Anyone can read a thermometer, but you’ll need something a little more advanced to get instant access to weather safety information. Luckily, there are a number of RV temperature monitors and alert systems that will keep you in the know no matter where you are. This is especially important if your furry friend stays unattended in the RV during your trip, even for short amounts of time.

Remember, even though an RV is a lot larger than a passenger car, it can still get too hot to be safe when left in the sun for a while. Don’t make your best buddy face that heat!

Instead, invest in an RV temperature alert system like the Waggle RV/Dog Safety Temperature and Humidity Sensor. This device monitors and informs you about weather conditions at any location with just a few clicks on your phone — no WiFi necessary. Now you’ll be able to check on your pup’s environment in an instant, so you’ll know before anyone else if conditions become unsafe.

RV sunshade

Another way to keep your RV cool during the summer months is to create your own shade. Retired meteorologist Jim Lushine told the Florida Sun-Sentinel that air in the shade can measure in at 10 to 15 degrees lower than the air exposed to direct sunlight—but this is a phenomenon that can be felt on any warm day.

To keep your RV and your precious pup from overheating, you may want to shop for a windshield sunshade. This will keep the wheel, dashboard, and front of your vehicle out of the sunlight, though window coverings and awnings can be just as helpful for the sides of the RV. This artificial shade is also a great way to give yourself or your pooh a little extra privacy, so it’s a win-win!

A person hugs and kisses their Yorkshire Terrier outside of an RV

Identification methods

Even if your dog is going to stay within the safety of your vehicle, you’ll want to give him at least one form of identification in case of an emergency.

Microchip

Many animal rescues and veterinarians recommend trying out a microchip for your dog. It’s programmed to hold your contact information in case anyone finds your buddy wandering about. Madison Animal Care Hospital warns about one common misconception, though: unlike what many pet parents think, microchips are not GPS-enabled. They do not help you locate your dog, but they do ensure that your information stays with your pet no matter where they go.

ID tag

Collars and ID tags are an even more popular way to keep a dog identifiable, and they’re even required at some parks and campgrounds. Luckily, collars are super comfortable for most dogs to wear. Plus, they come in so many adorable colors and designs, so your pet’s personality won’t be compromised one bit. Remember to keep your dog’s ID tags up-to-date with your most recent information, and you’re good to go!

A Maltese dog looks out of the window of an RV

Portable exercise pens and gates

RV dogs get plenty of time cuddled up close to their people when they temporarily live in a large vehicle, so they should get the chance to romp and play a bit, too. For smaller friends, a portable playpen for dogs could be exactly what you need. Your buddy will be able to run and play off-leash for a while, and you’ll know they’re safely contained in a small area.

For larger dogs, you may need to get creative. There are a number of doggy fences that are perfect to use inside the RV, but there aren’t many that accommodate larger outdoor spaces. Instead, use part of your vehicle as a fence, too! As long as your buddy can’t crawl under the RV, you can place each end of the fence against the vehicle and give your dog some extra space to relax.

With these RV essentials on your next shopping list, you’ll be nearly ready to hit the road. Don’t forget to pack all your dog’s basics — including food, bed, and toys — as well as a few things to keep your pooch entertained. Don’t be surprised if your fur baby needs some time outside of the RV every now and then, though! Even the laziest of pooches need to take a potty break sometimes.

Happy travels!

Editors' Recommendations

What to do when dog obedience training stalls
These tips may help you and your pet tackle dog obedience training regression
A woman training a dog

Signing up for dog obedience training is one of the first orders of business after you bring your new addition home. Your pup may have started strong and even graduated with flying colors. They sat, stayed, and came running to you like they were on the fast track for the Westminster Dog Show. Even better, they were housebroken — no more accidents to clean. Having a well-trained dog keeps your pup safe and you less stressed. 
What happens if, all of a sudden, that goes out the window? Perhaps your dog is still in training but suddenly stops following commands or struggles to progress to the latest lessons. Your pet may also have post-dog obedience training regression days or even years after graduating. 
It can be highly troubling for dog parents, who want the best for their pets and kitchen floors. Here’s how to get Fido back on track with training. 

Reasons dog obedience training stalls
Figuring out what triggered the slowdown or regression in training is essential in mapping out appropriate next steps. There are many reasons your dog may not be taking to training anymore.

Read more
This adorable video of a cat and dog’s friendship is the cutest thing we’ve seen
You won't be able to take your eyes off this tiny kitten and her giant best pal
Cat licks her kitten on the head

We have all been on the receiving end of tiny pet kisses that warm our hearts to infinity. Sometimes sweet kitties and puppies even give each other affection by delivering plenty of happy licks to their canine or feline friend. Everyone wants their dogs and cats to get along but this pair takes it to the next level.

Watch as the most precious kitten gives her giant dog friend "smol kisses" on the Animals Being Bros subreddit posted by u/westcoastcdn19. Keep in mind this little kitten is approximately the size of the dog's head yet smooches with abandon. She's totally engrossed in her job though, and dutifully cleans him with her tiny tongue. Meanwhile, the pooch opens his eyes and indulgently lets her continue, happy that they are besties.

Read more
How long after neutering a dog does behavior change? These are the differences you might see
Neutering can bring a few changes, but don't believe these myths about the procedure
Dog runs through the lawn with a ball

We've all heard Bob Barker's famous advice to fix our pets and help reduce the population of unwanted cats and dogs. It's a good message to follow, but that doesn't mean you won't see any side effects or that the surgeries carry no risks.
After all, any time a human or pet goes under anesthesia, there's a small risk of serious complications; not to mention other possibilities, like an infection at the site. But what about other unwanted changes, like to your precious pup's personality? We'll walk you through what to expect when you get your dog neutered.

What changes to behavior might occur after a dog is neutered?
Keeping a dog intact can cause a number of unwanted behaviors, including humping, marking, and wandering to find a mate. These should go down or even cease after the operation. You also may notice a decrease in some aggressive or anxious behaviors, especially if they are caused or exacerbated by the presence of a female in heat. On the other hand, certain types of aggression can increase in specific dogs, most prominently those neutered at a very young age, and you should discuss your unique animal with your vet before the procedure.
How long after neutering does dog behavior change?
In the days following his neutering, you could see a few common symptoms, such as lethargy and perhaps a little pain. Follow your care instructions to the letter to avoid complications and much of the strange behavior after neutering your dog will resolve as he heals. Some behaviors, like marking, could stop as soon as you bring your pup home, but it will take up to eight weeks for all the testosterone to leave his system.

Read more